Feature: Dr. Bilal Ahmed

For September's Chief of Staff Feature, it was my privilege to connect with Dr. Bilal Ahmed, a BCHS anesthesiologist whose personal and professional journeys span continents and reflect a deep commitment to patient care, community service, and clinical excellence.

Born in Pakistan, Dr. Ahmed spent his early years moving across the country as his father's military career frequently led to new postings. Eventually, Dr. Ahmed and his family settled in Lahore— Pakistan's second-largest city—where he completed high school, followed by five years of medical school.

After completing his internship – also in Pakistan – Dr. Ahmed decided to seek opportunities abroad, moving to England and ultimately settling in Ireland, where he began postgraduate training in anesthesia and critical care.

He now shares: "I've always been fascinated by machines and computers. In critical care and anesthesia, you work at the intersection of technology and human physiology." He describes anesthesiology as "applied physiology," a field where interventions often lead to rapid recovery and visible results - even for very sick patients - something he finds deeply rewarding.

In Ireland, Dr. Ahmed's training program was rigorous and comprehensive, spanning eight years, including a dedicated year of research. As Dr. Ahmed was completing his training, his wife – also a physician – began her residency in family medicine and received an opportunity in England. This prompted a return there, where Dr. Ahmed took on his first role as a consultant physician at Tameside Hospital in Manchester.

Working in both critical care and anesthesia, Dr. Ahmed found himself deeply enjoying his work, and – after several years at Tameside Hospital – was appointed Chief of Intensive Care.

He took on this role just one year before the onset of COVID-19 and led the unit through the pandemic. Looking back, he now describes that unprecedented time as "intense and deeply meaningful." In order to meet the community's needs, the hospital's intensive care unit tripled its capacity, expanding from nine beds to 25, with ten additional beds for non-invasive ventilation.

Despite the fear and uncertainty of that time, Dr. Ahmed remembers his colleagues coming together and rising to the occasion, reflecting: "It was quite an experience leading the team through this; everyone was so scared."

Remembering his own illness with COVID-19, he further shares, "I got sick very early. I couldn't return to work for about eight weeks. Even after six weeks, I found it difficult to walk."

Further compounding the immense challenges of the pandemic, Dr. Ahmed and his team lost a colleague to COVID-19. Despite this tragedy, the unit persevered. Their commitment to excellence during the pandemic was even recognized by NHS England, which selected them for a special interview to understand how they had managed so effectively between the first and second waves. "We were the only unit in England that reduced mortality in the first wave," he explains. "We started planning early and invested in the right infrastructure and training."

After nine years at Tameside, he accepted an offer from a larger hospital nearby. Around the same time, his wife began exploring opportunities in Canada, drawn by the promise of better prospects for family physicians. That's when he reached out to Lebené Numekevor (Director, Medical Affairs, BCHS) and connected with Dr. Susan O'Leary (Medical Director, Surgery, Anesthesia and Perioperative Services and Ambulatory Care, BCHS) – setting the stage for their move to Ontario, and Dr. Ahmed's practice at BCHS.

While there have been some adjustments to different practice styles and procedures in Canada, Dr. Ahmed has settled in nicely to his new new professional home. "I spend about 95% of my time in the OR with some work in the pre-op clinic and endoscopy," he says. "The staff here are incredibly supportive. If you ask for help, they're there. And even if you don't ask, they'll step in if they sense you need it. I really enjoy working here."

He speaks highly of his perioperative colleagues, including his fellow anesthesiologists as well as the BCHS surgeons, describing them as "friendly and collaborative." He also praises the nursing staff and midwives for their dedication and teamwork. "They go out of their way to ensure patients get the maximum benefit from your care, and that makes a huge difference."

Outside of work, he finds joy in spending time with his family—especially his four-year-old son, who just celebrated his birthday in July. "We love going out together," he says with a smile. "And if I have any spare time, I'll watch a movie or something relaxing."

Reflecting on his transition to life in Canada, he shares, "I had a feeling this would be a small, close-knit place, and everyone has been incredibly friendly. I'm glad I made the move." He has made good friends both inside and outside the hospital, and while he and his family miss their home in England, they've found a warm welcome in Canada.

 When asked what motivates him to work each day, his answer is sincere and straightforward: "Looking after patients is deeply fulfilling. If my patient wakes up happy and without complications, that's the best kind of feedback I can receive. That's what drives me."

 It is a pleasure to welcome Dr. Ahmed to BCHS. His kindness, compassion, and commitment to excellence make him an exceptional physician, and we are proud to call him a colleague.

(Author: Dr. Anirudh Goel, Chief of Staff and Vice President, Medical and Academic Affairs at BCHS.)